Table of Contents

* Introduction * The History of Parliamentary Privilege * How do Parliaments Define Contempt? * What Sort of Actions Constitute Contempt of Parliament? * Violence in Parliament * The Privileges of Parliament *"Proceedings" in Parliament * The Difference Between Contempt of Court and Contempt of Parliament * Is Breach of Privilege the Same as Contempt of Parliament? * Does Parliament have the Right to Decide and Uphold its own Privileges? * Review and Codification of Parliamentary Privileges * Is Mens Rea Required for Contempt of Parliament? * What Punishments May Parliament Impose for Contempt? * Criticism of the Powers of Parliament to Punish for Contempt * Can the Courts Override Parliament's Rulings on Privilege? * Contempt of Parliament by Strangers * Who Decides whether Behaviour Constitutes Contempt of Parliament? * Breach of Standing Orders of the Irish Parliament * Contempt of Parliament in Common Law Jurisdictions * Report on Contempt in Common Law Parliaments * Proposals for Change

About the Author

Kieron Wood, barrister-at-law, is an award-winning journalist and best-selling author. His published books include The High Court - A User's Guide, The Kilkenny Incest Case and Divorce in Ireland (as co-author). His website is at